This Is Not A Thing

Forest bathing. Have you heard over it? It’s the newest thing. You go to a wooded area and ‘bathe’ in the sights, scents, and feel of the nature surrounding you.

I just want to tell you, this is not a thing.

Well it is a thing, but it’s called meditation. Meditation: the practice of training the mind to be present in the moment. To be mindful. To be in the now rather than rehashing the past or fretting about the future.

Meditation can be done sitting, lying down, walking, riding a bike, practicing yoga, surfing…it can be done during almost any activity. It only asks that you be present. To focus on the now.

So, walk through the forest. Enjoy the plant life and the fresh air. But don’t repackage it. The simple act of being present to your own life doesn’t need it’s own branding.

I think of it as more ‘hipster-izing’ it than appropriating. People will do this once or twice because it’s cool and new (and because it’s totally “from japan”) which completely negates the benefits of a long term meditation practice or the long term benefits of being out in nature and getting fresh air.